OBJECTIVETo find a new and effective way for the transfection of adenovirus vectors encoding HSP70 cDNA, so as to provide another possible method in gene therapy against ischemia and cellular hypoxia after burn injury.

METHODSThe replicated defective adenovirus vectors encoding HSP70 cDNA were encapsulated. Its acid resistance and dissolution in intestinal fluid were tested in artificial gastric juice and intestinal fluid. The expression of HSP70 gene which was transfected by the microcapsules orally was detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe encapsulated replicated defective adenovirus vectors were viable in vitro. They exhibited good resistant to acid (resolution ratio less than 10%) and dissolution in intestinal juice (resolution ratio higher than 50%). The HSP70 gene expression of the tested rats was significantly higher than control, but there was no difference in the quantity of HSP70 induced by sodium arsenite or adenovirus transfection through injection by vein.

CONCLUSIONThe encapsulation of adenovirus vectors can successfully keep the viability of the virus in vitro and protect the virus from harmful effect of acid and enzyme in the gastric juice. Its nice dissolution in intestinal juice should ensure its absorption by oral transfection. The expression of the HSP70 gene after oral intake of this preparation is as high as that with other traditional transfection methods. It is possible that in the future the encapsulated replication of defective adenovirus vectors encoding HSP70 cDNA can provide a safer, convenient and effective way for gene therapy for burn patients.